The American Whiskey Association (AWA) has welcomed Brother’s Bond Bourbon as a global growth craft member and added CEO Vincent Hanna to its board of directors.
Founded by The Vampire Diaries actors Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley, Brother’s Bond has built a portfolio of ultra-premium American whiskey and is expanding in US and international markets.
The brand’s co-founder and CEO, Hanna, is said to bring an entrepreneurial perspective from the whiskey industry to the AWA board as the organisation aims to create more opportunities for producers throughout the American whiskey supply chain.
“Brother’s Bond reflects the entrepreneurship, innovation and ambition shaping the next chapter of American whiskey,” said Michael Bilello, AWA president and CEO.
“Ian, Paul, Vincent and their team have built a brand with a strong connection to American agriculture and the people behind the product.
“We’re proud to welcome Brother’s Bond to AWA, and Vincent’s experience will be valuable to our board as we work to expand opportunity for American whiskey at home and around the world.”
Brother’s Bond joins an AWA membership that includes both large and smaller American whiskey producers, and other companies throughout the whiskey supply chain.
According to Hanna, Brother’s Bond aims to play a key role in expanding market access for other American brands in the US and beyond, while “celebrating the high standards that distinguish American whiskey, supporting our agricultural partners and helping drive the long-term competitiveness of American whiskey around the world”.
“We’re excited to join the Association and contribute to that work,” he added.
Somerhalder commented on the milestone: “American whiskey is much bigger than any one brand. It begins with American farmers and extends through distillers, barrel makers, warehouses, distributors, retailers and communities across the country.
“Joining AWA gives us an opportunity to work alongside others who believe in protecting what makes American whiskey special while helping create greater opportunity for the category around the world.”
Earlier this month, Brother’s Bond took its miniatures to the skies through a partnership with JetBlue.
At The Travel Retail Masters 2026, the brand took home three Gold medals and earned the Taste Master title for its Bottled-In-Bond Straight Bourbon Whiskey.
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